A previously unknown gene silencing mechanism has been identified in corn according to a study published in PLOS One. These findings could be beneficial to plant breeders as gene silencing can cause a loss of plant traits from one generation to the next.
The Penn State team was looking at the corn pericarp color gene (p1) that regulates the kernel’s outer layer color and cob color. Their findings showed that silencing of p1 can have two overlapping epigenetic components—RNA dependent DNA methylation (RdDM) and non-RNA dependent DNA methylation (non-RdDM).
"Our study on maize pericarp color 1 gene has demonstrated the involvement of both small RNA-dependent and small RNA-independent mechanisms for gene suppression," said lead researcher Surinder Chopra. "This study reveals the additional layer of gene regulation by small RNAs, and improves our understanding of how gene expression is regulated specifically in one tissue but not in the other."
The researchers hope this improved understanding will lead to enhanced consistency in seed production as purchasing inconsistent seeds can be devastating for farmers who require a reliable crop year after year.
Image: Diverse maize cobs showing the varying genetic traits of kernel and cob colors. Image courtesy of Surinder Chopra, Penn State.